Animal Conservation Program in
Emerging Economies
Presentation 5 - DR OSWIN PERERA, Professor of Farm Animal Production & Health
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science, University of Peradeniya
“The Changing Pattern of Livestock Farming Systems in South-Asia, Threats to Indigenous
Breeds, and Programs to Conserve Animal Genetic Resources”
(P. 37)
Presentation 6 - DR MARC HENRY, Escola de Veterinaria da UFMG R.Joao Antonio, Belo Horizonte
“State of Genetic Diversity Programs in Livestock in Brazil and Neighboring Countries”
(P. 43)
Presentation 7 - DR LUCKY NEDAMBALE, Program manager: Germplasm Conservation & Reproduction
biotechnologies
“Status of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in South Africa”
(P. 51)
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Presentation-5
The Changing Pattern of Livestock Farming Systems in South-Asia,
Threats to Indigenous Breeds, and Programs to Conserve Animal
Genetic Resources
B.M.A. Oswin Perera
Professor of Farm Animal Production & Health
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science
University of Peradeniya
Sri Lanka
(E-mail: oswinp@pdn.ac.lk)
Introduction
Since the domestication of animals some 10,000 years ago, livestock have been bred
by farmers under different environments, resulting in animals that are well adapted to
local conditions. The evolutionary forces of mutation, selective breeding, adaptation,
isolation and genetic drift have created an enormous diversity of local populations
(Groeneveld et al., 2010). Over the past 200 years, however, farmers selected and bred
animals for uniform phenotypic characteristics, resulting in the formation of distinct
breeds. More recently, selection pressure for productivity has increased through the
application of methods in quantitative genetics, with little regard for the preservation of
genetic diversity (Ajmone-Marsan et al., 2010). In many livestock species specialized
breeds now suffer from the consequences of inbreeding, and the most productive
breeds are becoming increasingly dependent on intensive management. In developing
countries the robust indigenous breeds that have unique characteristics such as disease resistance and adaptations to their environment are being replaced by industrial
breeds.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio in 1992 states that “the conservation of biological diversity is a common concern of humankind” and “conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity is of critical importance for meeting the food,
health and other needs of the growing world population”. The Interlaken Conference
held in Switzerland in 2007 (FAO, 2008) noted that livestock diversity is decreasing at
an accelerated pace, with many breeds being lost throughout the world. It concluded
that local livestock diversity in developing countries represents a unique resource for
productivity and provides a major pathway out of poverty, and adopted the Interlaken
Declaration and a Global Plan of Action for animal genetic resources (AnGR).
Currently, about one-fifth of the world’s 7,616 breeds of domestic livestock are at risk
of extinction and most of the endangered breeds are in developing countries (Sere,
2010).
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Changing pattern of livestock farming systems in South-Asia
The South Asian region comprises seven countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the
Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Livestock farming is of major economic and
socio-cultural importance in all these except the Maldives. The traditional farming systems are mostly based on mixed crop-livestock systems, with small farms predominating. The most important livestock species in the region are cattle (Bos indicus, Bos taurus and their crosses), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis, mainly of the river type), goats, sheep,
pigs and poultry. Yaks (Poephagus grunniens) and Mithun or Gayal (Bos frontalis) are
also important in the northern high altitude areas. In addition to providing milk, meat,
eggs, draught power, fibre, manure and fuel, livestock also serve as a ‘living bank’ for
many small farmers, cushioning the risks associated with crop production and providing a financial reserve during periods of economic hardship.
The farming systems in the region vary widely (Perera et al., 2005), determined by a
matrix of several interacting factors that include climate (latitude, altitude and rainfall),
location (rural, peri-urban or urban), cropping systems (rain-fed or irrigated, annual or
perennial crops), type of operation (small or large farm, subsistence or commercial),
and the species and their primary purpose (milk, meat, eggs, draught, capital or
mixed). The Maldives is the exception, where limited land, feed and water resources
permit only back-yard poultry farming.
The ruminant production systems that were largely extensive or semi-intensive in the
past (grassland-based or mixed crop-livestock, with rain-fed or irrigated mixed farming), which were sustained with locally available resources, have become constrained
due to many factors. Competition for land from the increasing human population that
demands space for habitation, crop production and other economic activities have
dwindled grazing lands. Mechanization of agricultural operations and commercial market forces have also made such systems less competitive. Thus many farmers have
moved to more intensive systems of production based on livestock only or landless
systems with high producing breeds that require greater external inputs for feed, labour
and health care.
The monogastric production systems for poultry and pigs that were traditionally backyard operations based on household refuse and crop by-products have given way to
intensive commercial systems of varying scale, based on commercial breeds and
bought-in feed.
Threats to indigenous breeds and genetic diversity
The threats to indigenous breeds in South-Asian countries are similar to those in developing countries of other regions, and can be summarized as follows (adapted from
FAO, 2008):
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Economics and technological developments (intensification and commercialization; consumer demands and market preferences; unfavourable trade agreements; market liberalization which favours transition from traditional to industrialized production systems; and reduced economic competitiveness of breeds);
Human issues or dynamics (loss of labour force and know how due to ruralurban migration; loss of indigenous knowledge; inadequate human capacity to
handle conservation; and socio-political changes and instabilities);
Policy development and institutional capacity (lack of appropriate breeding policies; absence of effective breeding programmes and appropriate breeding
strategies; indiscriminate use of exotic animals; and policies that promote industrialization of animal breeding);
Poor conservation strategies (lack of valuation of breeds; lack of a strong justification for the conservation of AnGR; and lack of political will and allocation of
resources);
Animal health (epidemic, endemic and exotic diseases);
Natural environment (loss of production environment due to competition from
human settlement, crop farming, forest and wildlife reservations); and
Natural disasters and climate change.
Programmes to conserve animal genetic resources in South-Asia
All seven South Asian counties are participating in the Global Plan of Action for AnGR
(FAO, 2008) and have prepared their national strategies and action plans for AnGR
conservation in accordance with standard guidelines. These “Country Reports” contain
the status and trends of AnGR in the country; the current and potential contributions of
livestock to food, agriculture and rural development; the state of national capacity to
manage these resources; and the priorities for capacity building (accessible at:
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1250e/annexes/CountryReports/CountryReports.pdf).
The activities being undertaken for management and conservation of populations of
livestock that are identified as being at risk include (a) assessing the economic value of
the breed; (b) examining the potential of niche markets for high quality products from
the breed; (c) providing incentives and subsidies to the farmers; and (c) selecting and
implementing the conservation strategy.
The current population estimates for the major livestock species in the South Asian
countries are shown in Table 1, and some of the breeds of ruminants for which conservation programmes are being undertaken or are planned are listed in Table 2.
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Table 1: Current populations (millions) of the major livestock species in the South
Asian countries
Country
Cattle
Buffalo
Goats
Sheep
Pigs
Poultry
Bangladesh
21.60
0.72
12.92
1.69
?
126
Bhutan
0.30
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.05
0.14
India
187
96
120
61
14
440
--
--
?
--
--
0.21
Nepal
7.00
3.53
6.33
0.85
0.88
19.00
Pakistan
26.8
30.8
67.8
25.1
?
315
Sri Lanka
1.55
0.70
0.50
0.01
0.07
11.00
Total
244
132
207
88
15
910
Maldives
Table 2: Breeds of ruminant livestock for which conservation programmes are
being undertaken or are planned in the South Asian countries
Country
Cattle
Bangladesh Pabna, Red Chittagong, Munshiganj
Bhutan
Nublang (Siri)
India
Buffalo
Goats
Sheep
Native
Black Bengal
Native (Bangla)
Black
Tharparkar, Sahiwal, Nili-Ravi, Toda, Bha- Beetal, Chegu, JaMagra, Nilgiri, BhaOngole, Punganur,
dawari, Pandharpuri, munapari, Black Ben- karwal, Pugal, Garole,
Vechur, Nagauri, Ra- Tarai, Kattanad
gal, Gaddi
Malpura, etc.
thi, Kangayam, etc.
Maldives
Nepal
Lulu, Achhami
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
High mountain
Chyangra
Bhyanglung
Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Nili-Ravi, Kundi
Tharparkar
Beetal, Kamori,
Teddy
Lankan, Eastern whiteLankan
Native, Kottukachchiya
Balkhi, Balochi, Bivarikh, Buchi, Hernai,
Kachhi, Karakul, etc.
Jaffna
The conservation strategy adopted depends on the risk status and number of breeding
animals in the population. In accordance with the CBD, in-situ conservation is the
method of choice wherever possible. This involves breeding of the population so that
diversity is best utilized in the short term and maintained for the longer term. It includes
performance recording, breed improvement programs and sustainable ecosystem
management. In breeds at high risk, Ex-situ live conservation may be adopted, with
breeding and selection done under a new environment (e.g. institutional farms). Ex-situ
cryoconservation (i.e. deep-freezing of semen, ova, embryos or tissues) is recommended for breeds which have no viable in vivo conservation programme, have phenotypic adaptations to their environment or have novel products, social or cultural impor“International Strategic Program for Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”
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tance. The final decision on the conservation strategy in a particular case will depend
on the risk status of the breed, priority for conservation, short-term and long term
costs, technical feasibility and the risks of failure.
The status of implementation of the above activities varies widely in the different countries, depending on the priority accorded to AnGR conservation, political will and allocation of resources.
Conclusions
Livestock production plays an important role in the economy of six of the seven South
Asian countries, where a large number of unique breeds that are well adapted to diverse environments are reared under traditional production systems. Many of these
breeds are now threatened with extinction due to many factors, chief among which is
competition from specialized industrial breeds, where high-performing uniformity is replacing multipurpose diversity.
All seven countries in the region have prepared their “Country Reports” on AnGR in accordance with the Interlaken Declaration for a Global Plan of Action. The current status
and degree of implementation of conservation activities varies in the different countries,
depending on the priority accorded to AnGR conservation, political will and allocation
of resources.
In order for conservation programmes to be accepted by the farming communities and
other stakeholders, the value of the breed in terms of its genetic, economic, cultural
and social attributes needs to be assessed and communicated to all relevant sectors of
society. The small scale farmers who keep such breeds need support and incentives in
order to improve the productivity of their breeds and to develop niche markets where
relevant. In critically threatened breeds, ex situ conservation as live animals or as cryoconserved genetic material needs to be undertaken.
References
Ajmone-Marsan, P. and the GLOBALDIV Consortium (2010) A global view of livestock
biodiversity and conservation. Animal Genetics 41, 1-5.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123356076/PDFSTART
FAO (2008) Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources and the Interlaken Declaration. Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, FAO, Rome, Italy. pp. 46 (ISBN 978-92-5-105848-0)
FAO Country Reports on Animal Genetic Resources:
ftp://ftp.fao.org/docrep/fao/010/a1250e/annexes/CountryReports/CountryReports.pdf
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Groeneveld, L. F., Lenstra, J.A., Eding, H., Toro, M.A., Scherf, B., Pilling, D., Negrini, R.,
Finlay, E.K., Jianlin, H. Groeneveld, E., Weigend, S. and the GLOBALDIV Consortium
(2010) Genetic diversity in farm animals – a review. Animal Genetics 41, 6-31.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123356077/PDFSTART
Perera, B.M.A.O., Abeygunawardena, H., Vale, W.G. and Chantalakhana, C. (2005) Buffalo. In: “Livestock and Wealth Creation - Improving the Husbandry of Animals Kept by
Poor People in Developing Countries” (Eds: E. Owen, A. Kitalyi, N. Jayasuriya & T.
Smith), Nottingham University Press, United Kingdom. pp. 451-471.
Sere, C. (2010) Livestock diversity needs genebanks too:
http://www.scidev.net/en/opinions/livestock-diversity-needs-genebanks-too.html
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Presentation-6:
State of Genetic Diversity Programs in Livestock in Brazil and
Neighboring Countries
Henry M1, Mariante A. da S.2, Ramos A.F. 2
Escola de Veterinária - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG1
Av. Antonio Carlos 6627 – 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, Brasília-DF2
henrym@ufmg.br
At the time of the discovery of Brazil and other countries of South America, animals
settled in these territories were not domesticated or were in an incipient manner. Two
species located in the Andean region, Camelids and Guinea pigs, were domesticated
and used as a source of nourishment. During the colonization, predominantly done by
Portuguese and Spanish, several species of domesticated animals such as cattle,
horses, sheep, goats and donkeys were gradually brought to the South American continent.
From the discovery epoch (Years ~1500) until the end of the nineteenth up to early 20th
century, these incorporated species had the opportunity to multiply themselves in
many regions, each with its peculiarity. During this period, the introduction of new individuals was relatively limited and planned selection programs were inexistent. Animals
which were resistant and adapted to characteristics of the environment were having an
opportunity to grow and multiply. These species and breeds of adapted animals are
today called “local”, “criollos” or “naturalized breeds”, because they have passed
through a process of adaptation and natural selection over several centuries.
Brazilian Program for the Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources
From the end of the nineteenth century to the present time, the need of breeding animals with higher productivity, has stimulated the importation of specimens that were
already being submitted to selection programs to response to the growing demand for
food. These animals were mostly from temperate regions. The introduction of these
animals was the strategy used to rapidly increase productivity. Animals introduced in
recent century were brought predominantly from the European continent and, in a
smaller proportion, from North America and the African continent. During this period
Zebu cattle and buffaloes were also introduced. They were brought predominantly from
the Asian continent. Many were the exotic breeds introduced from the end of the 19th
century and became predominant in different animal production systems of Brazil.
The intensity and speed at which the introduction of exotic breeds was carried out resulted in the appearance of new pure breeds. However, it led to the miscegenation of
the so called “exotic” with the naturalized breeds. This practice of miscegenation of
exotic with naturalized breeds, with little or even without any planning, resulted either in
the loss or in the extreme dilution of naturalized genetic resources which is adapted
and resistant to specific environments. Additionally, only few breeders continue to
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maintain pure herds because these current naturalized breeds do not have an economical appeal. An idea of the current situation of some domesticated animal species
in Brazil can be seen in table 1.
The substantial fall and the absence of any spontaneous reversion trend of the process
of losing pure naturalized breeds of several species led the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – EMBRAPA to create a specific program for the conservation of
naturalized breeds aiming at their future retrieval in selection programs. The EMBRAPA
has already acquired experience with conservation programs by protecting the plant
genetic resources. In mid of 1983, a program entitled “Brazilian Animal Genetic Resources Conservation Program” was initiated. This program appeared in line with other
actions of the genus which were in initial phase of organization in other countries of
Latin America. The coordination of these programs was linked to one unit of EMBRAPA, the Cenargen “National Center of Genetic Resources and Biotechnology”,
which is based in Brasilia (capital of Brazil located in the center of the country). A
committee constituted by EMBRAPA researchers was established and this committee
is responsible to plan actions to be pursued, to follow ongoing actions, and to idealize
and discuss future projects.
The initial objective was to develop a program for the conservation of genetic material
ex situ and implant stepwise several in situ conservation units, known as Nuclei of
Conservation. To implant nuclei of conservation, EMBRAPA used several of their research units spread all over the country. Since the beginning of this program, EMBRAPA established several units in collaboration with Universities, Regional State Research Centers and pursued the involvement of private farms in order to better achieve
the proposed goals.
The initial work was to identify breeds or genetic clusters of naturalized animals of interest that were at risk. This identification is still ongoing and the result from this identification will reveal actions to be taken to protect this resources. One of the ways to
preserve the genetic material is to build a Germplasm Bank. A single, nationwide bank
was created and it is located in one of the experimental fields of EMBRAPA, near Brasilia, central region of Brazil (see figure 1). Semen samples or embryos collected from
selected donors have been frozen and kept in this bank. Also, selected donors are
moved to a farm near of Brasilia. They are kept and collected on the premises of origin
or in nuclei of conservation, and the genetic material is transferred and stored in this
unique germplasm bank. Nowadays more than 54,000 semen doses from six species
and 500 embryos from five different species are stored in this national germplasm
bank. In addition the technique of in vitro fertilization is being incorporated as complementary method of multiplication of genetic groupings at risk. The use of this methodology for cattle and sheep multiplication is in course in specific EMBRAPA units. The
Cenargem is settled and has the expertise of the cloning technique for eventual application in extreme cases.
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Table 1. Number of livestock breeds in Brazil and trends of the population
Number of breeds
Trends
Ascend
Descend
Stable
Beef cattle
Exotic B. Taurus
Local B. Taurus
B. indicus
Synthetic
Dairy cattle
Exotic B. Taurus
Local B. Taurus
B. indicus
Synthetic
Bufalos
Exotic
Local
Ovine
Exotic
Local
Caprine
Exotic
Local
Pig
Thin
Mix
Fat (local)
Synthetic
29
6
8
8
5
1
3
4
10
3
5
7
2
2
14
1
2
5
2
1
1
1
4
1
1
2
3
2
2
1
2
15
10
7
3
2
2
6
5
10
7
3
1
7
6
6
5
12
9
4
1
1
0
1
1
11
8
(Mariante et al.,2003)
Today several private and university laboratories capable of executing assisted reproductive technologies and distributed throughout the Brazilian territory could help the
different conservation programs. However, there is a need to stimulate the incorporation of those potential partners in conservation programs to help in the adaptation of
assisted reproductive technologies for targeted species. To make it possible, it is necessary to search for additional financial support.
Among the assisted reproductive technologies, in vitro culture of ovaries aiming at the
development of primary follicles to subsequent stages of development in order to increase the availability of mature oocytes for in vitro fertilization programs is a major
goal of one Brazilian research group. At the present moment, they are focused on small
ruminant domesticated species. The availability of this technique for endangered species could be an additional alternative for the conservation programs.
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The in situ program of animal conservation of the EMBRAPA has been established to
create various Conservation Nuclei using their Research Centers distributed throughout
the Brazilian territory. This program is sub-divided into three sub-programs entitled: the
large animals program, the medium and small size animal program and wild animals
with potential for economic exploitation program. Each sub-program follows a specific
plan, previously elaborated and recommended by sub-program committee and by the
Central Committee.
Since the beginning of the in situ preservation program, several selected species/
breeds classified as “in danger of extinction” have been multiplied according to preestablished breeding programs. Each nucleus of conservation housed species in a
specific environment where they were naturally bred. To support each nucleus, EMBRAPA built a network of researchers from its own staff and they are distributed among
the different nuclei. Researchers of each unit are responsible to maintain and control
breeding programs and have to report their achievements to the Central Committee. A
total of 16 nuclei of in situ animal conservation are distributed all over Brazil, conserving six species and several breeds of naturalized domestic animals (Figure 1).
In addition to these strategies EMBRAPA also focused on educational activities in order
to gradually convince the society for the need of preserving specific animal genetic resources of economic interest. At the same time an effort has been made to convince
farmers and include their properties as nuclei of preservation.
In parallel to these actions EMBRAPA created a laboratory of animal genetics in support of the program for the conservation of genetic resources. This laboratory is based
in Brasilia and located in the Cenargen Unit. The objective of this laboratory is to perform a genetic characterization of selected animals or genetic clusters, and to subsidize the breeding programs. This laboratory has been using the most advanced techniques in this area. Blood samples, hair, skin or semen samples are sent to the lab for
DNA extraction and processing. In addition to the DNA, tissue samples have been
stored. The results of analyses become part of a data bank and support the planning of
reproductive management of animals kept in the nuclei of conservation. Until the present date more than 8,600 DNA samples from eight species (cattle, buffaloes, sheep,
goats, pigs, horses and donkeys) and 63 genetic clusters or breeds have been preserved.
Other Actions in Brazil
Supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the National Institute of Science and
Technology – Genetic and Health Information of Brazilian Animal Production has recently been created with its headquarters based at the Veterinary School of the “Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais”, UFMG. The institute´s main objective is to create
and maintain an up-to-date data bank which characterizes Brazilian animal production.
The aim is to build a network of laboratories in national territory which together de“International Strategic Program for Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”
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velop, innovate and execute methods and means to maintain and make available information which characterize diverse systems of production of animals of economic
interest. As such, the INCT is working, among other actions, in the genetic characterization of species and breeds of economic interest. Selection assisted by markers is
one of the future aims. The network of laboratories which support the INCT is being
expanded and it involves 10 institutions (Universities, State Research Centers and
Laboratories belonging to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture). The institute has also a
mission to train human resources in this area of knowledge and to contribute in the
educational process of the society showing the importance to evolve to sustainable
livestock production.
Actions in Other South American Countries
Several countries in Latin America have actions for the conservation of genetic resources of naturalized breeds. A research carried out recently identified 10 Latin
American countries which stated that they have a program for the conservation of
naturalized animal genetic resources. Nine countries claimed that they have a program
for bovine, seven for sheep, four for goats, four for camelids, three for pigs and three
for horse breeds. Also programs for the conservation of donkey breeds, buffaloes, rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Capybaras were mentioned.
Among the countries of Latin American involved in conservational programs are Argentina, Colombia and Peru. Argentina started a program as early as 1959, coordinated by
the National Institute for Agricultural Technology - INTA, and to preserve naturalized
bovine breeds. Today, the success of the preservation of “criollo” breeds are shown by
a Breeder Association, the “Association Argentina de Criadores de Bovino Criollos”,
having more than 200 000 registered animals. The National Institute for Agricultural
Technology - INTA of Argentina keeps a gene banks for the following species: Cattle 4 banks; Sheep - 1 bank; goats - 2 banks; Poultry -1 bank; honey bees - 1 bank, and
Camelids - 1 bank (Guanacos). Among others, they have created nuclei of in situ conservation for sheep, goats and Argentinean guanacos.
Colombia has the richest variability of criollo (naturalized) cattle breeds and the conservation programs of these breeds are executed by the National Institute of Agriculture –
ICA in close collaboration with an important breeder association the “ASOCRIOLLO”.
The ICA also maintains a bank of frozen semen. The conservation of naturalized
equine breeds is among the aims of the ICA.
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Figure 1 - Animal Genetic Resources Network – BRAZIL
The conservation program of animal genetic resources of Peru is one of its major focuses on the conservation of camelid breeds, which are important for indigenous people living in the Andes. This action is a collaborative work between La Molinia University and the National Institute of Agricultural Investigacion - INIA. The project enfolds
the conservation of various camelid breeds but also studies on reproductive physiology
and the adequacy of assisted reproductive technologies to support breeding programs.
The creation of gene banks and conservation nuclei in situ are foreseen. The conservation of guinea pigs is of particular interest because they have been used in the Andean
region of Peru and neighboring countries as a component of their diet.
Aiming at the integration of preservation programs carried out in Latin America and in
the Caribbean region, the Regional Focal Point of Latin America, under de orientation
of the FAO, was set up. This virtual office, which is under the coordination Brazil - EMBRAPA, aims to promote collaborative work on the conservation of animal genetic resources between countries of the region, and other partners throughout the world. Currently, several projects are in development such as: pig genetic characterization and
preservation- Brazil, Colombia and Uruguay; pig genetic characterization - Spain and
Brazil; criollo cattle genetic characterization - Brazil and Colombia; goat genetic char“International Strategic Program for Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”
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acterization - Brazil and Cuba; Pig genétic characterization- Brazil and Mexico, among
other projects in course.
Final considerations
It can be observed that several Latin American countries have started their programs
for the conservation of genetic resources of naturalized breeds. Many of these countries have the expertise to incorporate assisted reproductive technologies to ensure the
success of their programs, others need support, either in the training of human resources or the transfer of available technologies.
Therefore, Brazil and many neighboring countries are aware of the necessity to preserve animal genetic resources of interest. Several countries have their conservation
programs in progress; some for several decades. Successful experiences in recovering
species in danger of extinction have been reported. However, much still need to be
done, particularly in the identification of genetic clusters of interest and in the development or adjustment of assisted reproductive technologies to be used in specific
species. Persuading the society of the importance of such conservational programs,
particularly in developing countries, needs to be continually persecuted and may be
one of the most challenging aims.
Further reading:
EGITO, A. A. ; MARIANTE, A. da S. ; ALBUQUERQUE, M. do S. M. PROGRAMA BRASILEIRO DE CONSERVAÇÃO DE RECURSOS GENÉTICOS ANIMAIS.. Archivos de Zootecnia (Universidad de Córdoba), Córdoba - ESPANHA, v. 51, p. 39-52, 2002.
MARIANTE, A. da S. ; ALBUQUERQUE, M. do S. M. ; EGITO, A. A. ; MCMANUS, C. ;
LOPES, M. A. ; PAIVA, S. R . PRESENT STATUS OF THE CONSERVATION OF LIVESTOCK GENETIC RESOURCES IN BRAZIL. Livestock Science (Print), v. 120, p. 204212, 2009.
MARIANTE, A. da S. ; ALBUQUERQUE, M. do S. M. ; EGITO, A. A. ; MCMANUS, C. ;
LOPES, M. A. ; PAIVA, S. R. PRESENT STATUS OF THE CONSERVATION OF LIVESTOCK GENETIC RESOURCES. Livestock Science, v. 1120, p. 135-143, 2008.
MARIANTE, A. da S. ; CAVALCANTE, N. ANIMAIS DO DESCOBRIMENTO: RAÇAS
DOMÉSTICAS DA HISTÓRIA DO BRASIL. 2. ed. Brasília: Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, 2006. 274 p.
MARIANTE, A. da S. ; EGITO, A. A. ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES IN BRAZIL: RESULT OF FIVE CENTURIES OF NATURAL SELECTION.. Theriogenology, Lethbridge,
Alberta, CANADÁ, v. 57, n. 1, p. 223-235, 2002.
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THE STATE OF ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES: BRAZIL. 1. ed. BRASÍLIA: EMBRAPA
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Presentation-7:
Status of Farm Animal Genetic Resources in South Africa
TL Nedambale1, TC Chokoe2 and A Maiwashe1
1Agricultural
Research Council, Animal Production Institute, Germplasm Conservation and Reproductive
Biotechnologies, Irene, 0062, South Africa.
2Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Directorate Genetic Resources, Pretoria, 0001, South
Africa
Abstract
South Africa has a wide base of animal’s species and livestock breeds consisting of
indigenous breeds, adapted exotic breeds and breeds introduced by colonists for
commercial production. The threatened status of some indigenous breeds such Zulu
sheep requires an urgent attention and development of conservation strategies (in-situ
and ex-situ). Indigenous breeds have a potential role in the continuing improvement of
livestock production in South Africa. Livestock improvement schemes play an important role in the country’s livestock industry and contribute towards the goal of sustainable production. In 2008 the FAO survey protocol was adapted to suite both the South
African livestock industry (emerging and developed industry). The Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) together with the Agricultural Research Council
(ARC) rolled out the FAnGR survey in the country targeting individual provinces. In the
same year, a cryobank program was developed by the ARC as an initiative of the DAFF.
The cryobank program is focusing on research and development of sperm cells, ova,
somatic cells, embryos, genetic characterization of indigenous animals and human capacity development. These valuable indigenous breeds are currently identified through
livestock village survey and their germplasm are conserved through cryopreservation
technology for the maintenance of gene pool diversity, for breeding-line restoration,
global genetic trading and for the rescue of rare and endangered breeds for future
breeding program. This paper broadly summaries developments with regard to conservation of farm animal genetic resources in South Africa.
Key words: indigenous breeds, cryobank, livestock, South Africa
Introduction
In South Africa, more than 67% of the historically disadvantaged livestock farmers,
operate under a village production system which is characterized by isolation, low income, poverty, poor infrastructure and lack of most resources. Information on individual farmer profiles, herd profiles, herd size, markets accessibility etc is needed to allow
policy makers, development agencies, and researchers to make informed decisions.
Unfortunately such decision making is severely inhibited by a lack of accurate and
timely information, or information that is neither available nor accessible. Village livestock farmers are the custodians of the most diverse and unique livestock genetic resources in South Africa and the isolation of this sector threatens the continued existence of many of these genetic resources.
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Moreover, rapid changes in agriculture globally may place indigenous livestock and
farm animal genetic resources at risk or extinction. Therefore, South Africa has a rich
diversity of fauna and flora that includes a unique gene pool of indigenous livestock
breeds. Such indigenous breeds are known for their adaptability to harsh tropical and
sub-tropical environments and for their tolerance to ticks and tropical diseases. However, little is known about them or their potential due to a tendency to concentrate on
high output European breeds. These ill-adapted breeds are being used increasingly for
crossbreeding with, or replacement of indigenous breeds.
In response to these challenges the South African Department of Agriculture Forestry &
Fisheries together with Agricultural Research Council has established a program for the
conservation and development of indigenous livestock that combines traditional conservation approaches with modern biotechnological techniques. Thus, these valuable
indigenous breeds are currently identified through livestock village survey and their
germplasm are conserved through cryopreservation technology for the maintenance of
gene pool diversity, for breeding-line restoration, global genetic trading and for the rescue of rare and endangered breeds for future breeding program.
South African Conservation Strategies for Farm Animal Genetic Resources
The government signed the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1975. In terms of the
Convention, South Africa is mandated to conserve the biodiversity of the country. Not
only does the storage of biomaterials meet this mandate, it also serves as a tool for research in livestock and game. The South African program on conservation of farm animal genetic resources is two-pronged. Both the in-situ and ex-situ conservation forms
the pillar of the conservation effort in South Africa.
In-situ conservation is defined as the conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats
and the maintenance and recovery of viable populations of endangered species in their
natural surroundings where they have developed their distinctive properties. Interested
groups like breed societies have been the best custodians for breeds over the years. In
the past, conservation flocks and herds of selected breeds were established at Provincial research stations but recent resource shortages have limited the programmes.
Otherwise, present conservation lies either with hobbyists or with emerging farmers in
the rural areas. For neither group are there incentives or management plans in place to
encourage the conservation of pure breeds or to prevent crossbreeding with exotic
stock.
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CONSERVATION
In vivo
Live animals
In-situ
In natural habitat and production environment
In vitro
Information
System
Ex-situ
Cryobank of germplasm
In artificial environment (Zoo & Research
(Cryoconservation)
Semen
Embryos
Oocytes
Tissue
Somatic cells (DNA)
R&D
Capacity
Building
Training
Infrastructure
Figure 1. Strategies for conservation of South African animal Genetic Resources.
Ex-situ conservation is one of the two approaches of livestock conservation strategies
that entail the removal of germplasm resources (sperm, ova, embryos, and tissue DNA)
from their original habitat or natural environment (see Figures 1 and 2). The current research and development on indigenous livestock gametes and embryos is contributing
to South African ex-situ conservation strategies for: (i) maintaining indigenous livestock
gene pool diversity, (ii) regenerating populations after disease outbreaks, (iii) rescuing
rare or endangered breeds, (iii) providing a source of genetic diversity for the emergent
and the commercial farming sectors to facilitate the marketing of valuable genetic material, (iv) a source of adapted, low-maintenance breeds, (v) supply germplasm for new
line / breed development, (vi) provide a source of genetic material for research purposes, (vii) as a reference or baseline population, and (viii) for global germplasm trading.
Cryobank Program
The newly developed livestock conservation program of the ARC has a three-pronged
approach. The first controls the collection, dissemination of information, the formation
and management of small populations of endangered breeds; the second focus on research into reproduction and the third the establishment of cryo-gene bank. There is a
general lack of awareness as to the value and the declining numbers of indigenous
livestock in the country. Therefore, the program addresses this problem by conducting
village livestock survey and exhibiting indigenous livestock at agricultural shows and
by conducting workshop and giving seminars.
In South Africa, a vast amount of scientific and popular literature has accumulated over
the last three centuries. This is being collected and put on a database. More recently,
research has given rise to data that is currently on both local and international data“International Strategic Program for Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”
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bases. The latter is available to the public and has a wealth of information from countries worldwide. It can be viewed at www.fao.org/dad-is.
A further vital role played by the program is one of coordination as it provides information to policy makers and links different role players. This includes owners of small
numbers of endangered breeds. It will become increasingly important to incorporate
these animals into management programmes in order to prevent inbreeding.
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Policy, institution and capacity building
The government signed the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1975. In terms of the
Convention, South Africa is mandated to conserve the biodiversity of the country. Not
only does the storage of biomaterials meet this mandate, it also serves as a tool for research in livestock and wild animals. South African policies on FAnGR regulate and
provide an integrated national management system in support of conservation and
sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture. It further regulates and
promotes the availability of propagating material of genetic resources for food and agriculture; furthermore, it provide a risk mitigating system in support of agricultural biodiversity.
The DAFF and ARC have developed a capacity-building program which will contribute
to sustainable farm animal genetic resources and develop a credible future agricultural
scientist. Through this program a pool of young scientist are recruited and trained in
farm animal genetic resources and cryopreservation technologies.
Summary
South Africa is rich in farm animal biodiversity. Animal genetic resources play a vital
role for food and agriculture; moreover, in the social, cultural and economic history of
the country. Despite the importance of farm animal genetic resources in the underdeveloped and developing world, there is a general lack of knowledge about the physical characteristics and the extent of diversity between these animals. The developed
conservation program is focusing on both conservation strategies of the indigenous
animals by strengthening baseline information. Data are currently being collected in order to document population size, phenotypic characteristics, geographic distribution,
socio-economic contribution and their production system and cryo-conserving their
germplasm. It is envisaged that the outcomes of these surveys would provide the government and role players with sufficient information to develop comprehensive strategic plans for the management of indigenous farm animal genetic resources; relevant
conservation strategies (in-situ & ex-situ) and policies as well as sustainable breeding
programmes in future.
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